When Is Chainsaw Sharpening Necessary

Chainsaw sharpeining is critical to avoiding one of the most common and dangerous mistakes people make when it comes to chainsaws, and that is not operating with a sharp blade. Whether your chainsaw is used everyday or just for occasional trimming and brush cutting around the house, eventually you're going to need to get that blade sharpened. If you're new to the world of chainsaws, this article will give you some good information on how to know when your chain needs sharpened and some basic chainsaw sharpening tips.

When To Sharpen

If you're relatively inexperienced with chainsaws, there are several ways to tell when it's time to sharpen the chain. Failure to recognize these warning signs could lead to serious injury or worse.

If the saw is functioning properly, you shouldn't have to apply any pressure to it when making a cut. The weight of the saw itself should be enough to get through if the blade is sharp enough. This is one way to tell that you are in need of chainsaw sharpening. If you have to apply pressure to the bar to get the saw to cut through, you are going to tire yourself out quicker, putting yourself at risk for injury. Applying unnecessary pressure to the saw is not only unsafe, it can also overwork the machine, which can lead to other problems.

Another way to know when it's time for chainsaw sharpening is by looking at the chips as you cut. If the saw seems to be spitting out saw dust instead of wood chips, you need to get the blade sharpened as soon as possible.

When you do begin to see these warning signs, you should stop cutting immediately. Avoid the temptation to complete the job, no matter how close you are to completion. It only takes a split second for something to happen. Then you will wish you would have stopped and addressed the issue.

Chainsaw Sharpening Tips

Chainsaw sharpening is not difficult, but do not try it if you're unsure of what you are doing. Ask around and have someone with some experience show you how to do it. You could also take it to a professional and ask if you can watch so that you can try it yourself in the future.

If you are going to try it yourself, there are a number of different sharpening kits and machines available. The most important things to keep in mind when chainsaw sharpening are the depth and angles of the teeth. If these are not maintained properly, the saw will not perform the way it should.

Again, it doesn't matter if you use your saw everyday or once a year, the chain must be properly maintained. If it isn't, you are risking serious personal injury and damage to your machine.

Tags: chainsaw, chainsaw sharpening, chainsaws

February 11 2011 | chainsaws | No Comments »

Electric Chainsaws Save Your Energy

An electric chainsaw may solve your needs for occasional woodcutting around the yard. Do you have a couple of backyard projects that need a chainsaw? Are you a little intimidated by the size and weight of a gas-powered chainsaw? Then consider the pros of an electric chainsaw.

The Ease of Electric Chainsaws

By far, one of the most appealing aspects of electric chainsaws is their lightweight design. Cutting with heavy, cumbersome chainsaws often causes fatigue and is one of the biggest complaints cited by consumers. Electric chainsaws are also compact enough to slice through the smaller backyard type projects that don't require the extra power of a gas-powered machine. Most importantly, electric chainsaws are very user-friendly and are built to accommodate the needs of do-it-yourselfers.

Many homeowners prefer the low maintenance associated with the electric models, and the wonderful fact that they are significantly quieter than the gas-powered machines. You can start work early on a Saturday morning and not have to worry about disturbing your neighbors when you use an electric chainsaw. If thinking green is on your agenda, you will be happy to know that this type of saw doesn't emit any toxic chemicals into the environment. If price is a serious consideration, you will notice that the electric models are lower than their gas-powered counterparts. And using an electric chainsaw saves you a lot of physical energy. Those backyard chores will be done much faster and easier than if you used a non-powered saw. Think of all the free time you will have!

The Cons of Electric Chainsaws

As with a coin, there are always two sides to an issue, and there are some cons associated with the electric models. You need to keep in mind that these machines are made for average types of yard work. Don't try to cut down a 100-year-old sycamore tree with it! If your need for a tool of this type involves anything in the deep woods, you may want a gas-powered chainsaw instead. Since this machine uses electric that means you are hindered by the length of your longest extension cord, probably about 100 feet. This factor may turn off some potential buyers who don't want to be tied to a power outlet. Additionally, energy from an electric source will produce power that is less than a gas-fired engine, so your work may go slower.

Before making a final selection of an electric chainsaw, decide your needs, price and the type of power you require. These machines are wonderful for backyard gardeners who want to trim and prune some trees or shrubs. Price-wise they are a terrific value and they will ultimately save your own physical energy.

Tags: chainsaw, chainsaws, electric chainsaw

February 10 2011 | chainsaws | No Comments »